Ratio Christi's video: Science Faith and Origins - Lecture by Dr Michael Keas Lesson 8 of 9

The history of science and philosophy of science help us to grasp what science is and how it relates to religion, especially in controversies over origins. Scholars in these fields have identified at least a dozen major theory virtues: traits of a theory that make it likely true. As an example of theory evaluation, we will focus on a prominent argument for Darwinism and against intelligent design: junk DNA. This is the idea that the majority of human DNA is “junk” that does not code for proteins or have any other function. Does the notion of junk DNA have the traits of a reliable theory? Evaluating this case will help you think critically about all theories of origins. Lesson eight of the Apologetics Training in Faith and Science series presented by the Gospel Coalition and Ratio Christi. Join us for a series of powerful lectures and lessons in reconciling the perceived gulf between faith and science. These videos are excellent for pastors, parents, university students, professors, and people looking to deepen their faith. Questions • Why is it important to consider the track record of a theory over time (diachronic theory virtues) when evaluating whether to accept a theory? • Consider the extent to which the twelve major traits of good scientific theories (listed and explained here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11229-017-1355-6) also characterize good theories in disciplines such as theology, history, and the social sciences. • How might the church cultivate harmonious fellowship in the face of differing theories of biological origins among Christians, while also promoting careful evaluative thinking? Podcasts • Zombie Science Author Jonathan Wells Takes on the Icon of Junk DNA • Evolutionary Biologist Richard Sternberg Discusses Modern Genomics and Junk DNA Articles • Jonathan Wells: Zombie Science Keeps Pushing Junk DNA Myth (also click on related subject tags at the bottom of this article) • As Research Advances, Debunking “Junk DNA” is Almost Trendy (also click on related subject tags at the bottom of this article) • Systematizing the Theoretical Virtues (twelve traits that indicate likely truth in scientific theories, as published in a top tier philosophy journal) Books The Return of the God Hypothesis: Compelling Scientific Evidence for the Existence of God by Stephen C. Meyer https://www.amazon.com/Return-God-Hypothesis-Compelling-Scientific/dp/0062071505/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27F4CM39Z4JX&keywords=god+hypothesis+meyer&qid=1559386651&s=gateway&sprefix=meyer+god+hyp%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1 Unbelievable: 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion Written by Michael Newton Keas https://www.amazon.com/dp/1610171535/